# Magic Needle vs Silk

The clearest difference is rating: Silk at 4.8 against Magic Needle's 4.4. Silk also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs monthly) and iOS requirement (12.4 vs 15.6). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Magic Needle sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month and Silk sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Silk holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.1K and 501 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 55% and 54% positive.

Magic Needle ships an update monthly, Silk every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Magic Needle | Silk |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magic-needle-cross-stitch/id1323730066/reviews) | **[4.8 (501 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/silk-cross-stitch-patterns/id1505362289/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.1K** | 501 |
| Positive reviews | **54.9% of reviews** | 54.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 40 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **12.4** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Artem Shal](https://appshunter.io/developer/1323730065) | [CSP Embroidery Digital UG haftungsbeschrankt](https://appshunter.io/developer/1522427767) |

## What reviewers say

### Magic Needle

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magic-needle-cross-stitch/id1323730066)

Transform your photos into unique cross-stitch patterns with this mobile converter. It offers tools for pattern creation, embroidery tracking, and project management, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced crafters. Create personalized gifts or enjoy your hobby with ease.

**Highlights:** Create cross-stitch patterns from photos, Adjust scheme size and color count, Select fabric and floss brands, Track embroidery progress, Export patterns to PDF, Organize and track floss inventory

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $6.99 | per month |
| Premium | $29.49 | per 6 months |
| Premium | $41.99 | per year |
| Simple pattern | $0.99 | one-time |
| Export to PDF | $1.99 | one-time |
| Medium pattern | $1.99 | one-time |
| 1 pattern | $2.99 | one-time |
| Advanced pattern | $2.99 | one-time |
| 3 patterns | $5.99 | one-time |
| 7 patterns | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Excellent for creating cross-stitch patterns
- 📐 Accurate grid and color matching
- 🎨 Customizable color palette
- 💻 Convenient digital tracking of stitches

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Limited free features, requires subscription
- 🎨 Restricted color selection
- 🔧 Lack of editing tools for patterns
- 💾 Issues with data/project loss after updates

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when trying to upload photos
- Stitching progress markers disappear unexpectedly
- Difficulty setting desired number of colors

**Requested features**

- Add ability to edit/modify generated patterns
- Implement a PDF export option
- Improve syncing across devices
- Introduce more advanced color management tools


### Silk

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/silk-cross-stitch-patterns/id1505362289)

Discover a vast collection of cross stitch patterns and designs to fuel your creativity. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, this app offers inspiration, resources, and tools to enhance your embroidery art. Explore new charts, view color palettes, and access material lists to bring your stitching projects to life.

**Highlights:** Huge collection of cross stitch charts, Multiple chart formats, View color palette while stitching, Zoom functionality for designs, Vertical and horizontal rulers, Material lists for stitching

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Alphabets | Free | one-time |
| Numbers | Free | one-time |
| Ancient Land HCH 1811 | Free | one-time |
| Black Swan | Free | one-time |
| A Secret Sky: Bonus Alphabet | Free | one-time |
| Frohe Ostern | Free | one-time |
| A Christmas Carol in Rose 1 | Free | one-time |
| A Christmas Carol in Rose 2 | $3.99 | one-time |
| My Flower Garden | $7.99 | one-time |
| Christmas SAL 2020 Shooting St | $8.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use interface
- ✨ Beautiful pattern designs from European designers
- 📊 Helpful stitch tracking and progress monitoring
- 🎨 Ability to mark stitches and highlight progress
- 💰 Reasonably priced patterns

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💳 Misleading free pattern pricing (charged unexpectedly)
- 🔗 No cross-device synchronization of purchases or progress
- 📱 iOS only (not available on Android or PC)
- 🌐 Requires internet connection to function
- 🔍 No search bar for browsing patterns

**Reported bugs**

- Free patterns charged $19.99 without clear notification
- Purchased patterns disappearing from library
- No synchronization between iPad and iPhone
- App requires internet connection to open
- Stitch timer continues even after erasing highlighted stitches

**Requested features**

- Search bar for pattern browsing
- Cross-device synchronization of purchases and progress
- Ability to import personal PDF patterns
- Create custom pattern layouts
- Expand to Android and PC platforms


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Magic Needle free?

Magic Needle is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Silk free?

Silk is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Magic Needle or Silk?

Silk is rated higher. Magic Needle averages 4.4 out of 5 from 1.1K ratings, while Silk averages 4.8 from 501 ratings.

### Do Magic Needle or Silk have ads?

Neither Magic Needle nor Silk shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Magic Needle or Silk?

Magic Needle ships an update monthly, and Silk every 5 days. Most recently, Magic Needle was updated on November 2, 2026 and Silk on November 3, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*